The Kemerovo Regional Court sentenced a hacker from Belovo, Andrey Smirnov, to 16 years in a high-security colony for a case involving computer attacks on Russian information resources, the regional prosecutor's office reported. He was found guilty of 'treason' and using malicious computer programs. In addition to the actual sentence, Smirnov was fined 100,000 rubles and given a one-year restriction of freedom.
According to the investigation, in 2022 Smirnov, 'sharing a pro-Ukrainian position', carried out a computer attack on Russia's information resources using malicious programs, which led to some Russian companies' websites ceasing to function. RIA 'Novosti' claims that before conducting the attacks, the Belovo resident joined a cyber unit operating in the interests of Ukrainian intelligence.
The FSB reported Smirnov's arrest in October 2023. In a press release, law enforcement stated that equipment and communication devices confirming 'anti-Russian activities' were seized from the man's home. After the arrest, the court sent Smirnov to a pre-trial detention center.
Photo: Kemerovo Region Prosecutor's Office